Free to love Frida: Philbrook's summer exhibition brings Mexican Modernism to Tulsa
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Loading... - Claire Lavigne
- 01 Jul 2022
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No one lives there; rather, the humble abode is a mini replica of 20th century artist Frida Kahlo’s Mexican home, La Casa Azul. Philbrook staff built the structure as the horticulture team tended the gardens, planting sunflowers, marigolds and other flora reminiscent of the residence and the art created by its resident.
Similar plants also can be found in the art on display inside included in an exhibition opening July 6, Kahlo’s birthday.
“Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Mexican Modernism” will include paintings, drawings and collages by Kahlo, Diego Rivera and other Mexican modernists like Carlos Mérida, Gunther Gerzso and Maria Izquierdo.
The exhibit includes more than 100 photographs that tell the story of their lives together, starting about 1920 after the Mexican Revolution ended and continued through the mid-century until Kahlo’s death in 1954, Curator Rachel Keith says.
Mexican modernism encompasses work by artists “who were essentially working to create a sense of national pride and unity after this really difficult period,” Keith says.
Kahlo and Rivera are a focal point to introduce visitors to the culture and history of Mexico and to the broader Mexican modernist movement, she notes.
“They were both incredibly politically engaged and motivated by this love for their country, and especially for the people, to honor it and build a stronger future.”
Keith and Curator Christina Burke went to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2021 to scout the exhibit in its previous location, something they try to do whenever possible.
“Scouting it out can be really important, not only to get a sense of the individual works, but also how they go together the different sections or groupings,” Burke says. “If it’s a large work, or three dimensional, how does that translate to our space? Because all galleries are different.”
Keith notes the Denver Art Museum hosted the show after Albuquerque, and staff was particularly generous in sharing their experiences and insights.
Burke says one of Philbrook’s biggest differences from other American museums is the gardens, with 30 acres of curated outdoor spaces. Within the last few years, collaborating across museum departments has been a focus — especially in connecting the galleries with the gardens, says Burke, curator of Native American art who has worked at Philbrook for 15 years.
Keith, Philbrook’s deputy director for audience engagement and cultural affairs, works with both teams to connect what’s outside and inside and points out some of the odes to Kahlo and the Mexican modernists.
In the south garden, large terracotta pots are brimming with succulents like one could find at La Casa Azul, Kahlo and Rivera’s home in Mexico City. Sunflowers follow the evergreen tree line. Beyond the trees, across Crow Creek, a field of sunflowers will sprout into a maze visitors can walk through. Read More...
